Spanish Conversation · Level 88
60 words
Spanish word
prender
Pronunciation
IPA/pɾenˈdeɾ/
Meaning
- verbturn on
Example
¿Puedes prender la luz, por favor?
Can you turn on the light, please?
More examples
Por favor, no olvides prender el fuego en la barbacoa.
Please don't forget to light the fire on the barbecue.
Core concept
A power button lighting up as a device begins to run.
Common phrases
prender la luz
turn on the light
prender la radio
turn on the radio
prender el fuego
light the fire
Similar words
encender: Ignites material or starts a flame.
arrancar: Starts an engine or gets a vehicle moving by turning on its motor.
activar: Activates a device or system so its functions begin to work.
iniciar: Begins a process, action, or operation.
Definition in Spanish
Poner en marcha un dispositivo o provocar que algo empiece a arder o emitir luz, y también significar coger o detener a alguien.
Word origin
From Latin prehendere 'to grasp', Spanish prender figuratively shifts 'take hold' to 'set in motion' and 'ignite' while still applying to seizing people.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form prenderse is common for intransitive descriptions such as la luz se prende meaning 'the light comes on'.